Worth seeing in Bressanone and surrounding area

Multi-faceted adventures

A journey of discovery through Bressanone: The city benefits from impressive squares, historic places, beautiful churches and attractive museums. Our cultural tips in Bressanone and surrounding area:

Bressanone cathedral and cloister Bressanone cathedral is the landmark of the city. The original cathedral was built in 980. After 2 fires the Romanesque redesign with three naves and two front towers began around 1200. A Baroque design with frescoes by Paul Troger was added in the 18th century. The high altar by Theodor Benedetti, is one of Tyrol’s most important Baroque altars. The inside of the Cathedral is built with 33 different types of the most valuable marble. The Bressanone Cathedral cloister is one of the most important monuments of art in South Tyrol. The cloister is famous in particular for its Gothic frescoes.

Imperial Palace with Diocesan and Nativity Museum and Imperial Palace Gardens The Imperial Palace with its Renaissance loggias, closed Baroque façades, the Baroque marble door and the tower of the Imperial church, is one of the most atmospheric castle courtyards in South Tyrol. The Diocesan Museum has 70 exhibition rooms which showcase Medieval sculptures and panel paintings, modern art, the Bressanone Cathedral treasures, majolica stoves, historic furniture, Vienna china, and a Baroque chapel. The Nativity Museum with exhibits from all over the world is impressive. The Imperial Palace garden is also a highlight with interesting seasonal activities, installations and surprises.

Abbazia di Novacella The monastery is one of the largest in Tyrol and offers a range of treasures: the Romanesque Abbey church, the round building of Castello dell'Angelo, the Gothic cloister with valuable frescoes, the well with the 8 wonders of the world - the 8th wonder of world is said to be Novacella; the Rococo library and numerous paintings by extraordinary masters! The mill, water buildings and wine cellar point to the economic importance of the monastery. The monastery is still an active Augustinian monastery and most definitely worth a visit.

Castello di Velturno Castello di Velturno is a historical monument of a special kind. It was built around 1580 as the summer residence for the Bressanone Prince Bishop Johann Thomas von Spaur. What makes it special is not so much the construction but the interior. The ten rooms are decorated with original wall panelling and murals, which make Castello di Velturno one of the best preserved Renaissance residences in the Alpine region.

Messner Mountain Museum In the MMM – Messner Mountain Museums you can explore the mountains and follow in the footsteps of mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner. The museums series consists of 5 museums in 5 different locations. We recommend MMM Firmiano near Bolzano and the MMMs in Brunico Castle and on Plan de Corones.

Loreto Treasure in the town museum in Chiusa The famous Loreto treasure can be seen in the town Museum in Chiusa. This rich treasure of church paraments, religious objects, pictures and other showpieces comes largely from the workshops of Spanish and Italian artists and craftsmen of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Mineral Museum Tiso Tiso balls, rock crystals and other minerals are displayed in the Mineral Museum in Tiso. In the summer months children can hunt for minerals with Paul Fischnaller.

South Tyrolean Mining Museum on Monteneve - Ridanna The highest mine in Europe is situated on Monteneve! In Ridanna the 200 m long former mine showcases the process of ore mining from the Middle Ages to the present day. The original facility from 1920 which is still in working order, offers a realistic impression of ore processing. A several hours long underground excursion turns your visit into a real adventure!

Ethnological Museum Teodone According to the ADAC Leisure Atlas the Ethnological Museum Teodone is one of Europe’s most beautiful open air museums. In a 4 ha outdoor area old farm houses and craft workshops offer insights into the diversity of the types houses and farms and the social hierarchies of rural society.

Planetarium and star observatory In the Planetarium South Tyrol in San Valentino in Campo the universe is depicted in 3D with the aid of optical precision instruments and accompanied by a sophisticated sound system. Beneath an 8-meter long monitor dome a so far unique combination of high resolution, 360 degree “full dome 3D” images and surround sound places visitors in the middle of cosmic events. The star observatory Max Valier in San Valentino in Campo opens up fantastic views into the stars.

South Tyrolean Archaeology Museum (Ötzi) One of the most well-known South Tyroleans can be found in the Archaeology Museum in Bolzano… Ötzi! With an age of 5,300 years Ötzi the ice mummy is the oldest ice mummy in the world! In addition to the mummy from the Copper Age many other finds offer insights into the way of life in those times.

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